Chapter 4

ADS452 ETHICS IN PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION

What is the Public Sector?

• Government structure:

Includes ministries, departments, agencies at all government levels (federal, state, local).

• Function of public sector:

It executes the decisions made by politicians, meaning it turns policies into actions.

• Also called:

Civil service or bureaucracy – the backbone of the government that manages daily operations.

What is Public Sector Ethics?

• Focus on morality:

Ethics in the public sector means doing the right thing when managing public duties.

• Obligations of public officials:

They must act fairly, professionally, and be neutral – not influenced by politics.

• Democracy as a base:

Public service is built on democratic values like fairness, transparency, and public interest.

Stewardship in Public Service

• Why new values are needed:

Old ideas (like just being neutral or following orders) aren’t enough to deal with modern challenges.

• What is stewardship?

A mindset where leaders serve the public honestly, protect public resources, and plan for the future.

➤ Key Aspects of Stewardship:

• Service over self-interest:

Leaders must prioritize the public, not personal gain.

• Sustainability beyond career:

Decisions should benefit the people even after the leader leaves the job.

• Working together:

Teamwork and shared goals are essential.

• Mission-focused management:

Use resources wisely to achieve long-term goals.

Integrity System (Ethical Infrastructure)

• What is it?

A system that ensures government officials act ethically, promoting values and checking behavior.

• Two main approaches:

1. Compliance-based (Low road):

• Focus on rules, laws, and punishment.

• Detects and penalizes wrong behavior.

2. Integrity-based (High road):

• Focus on internal values.

• Builds strong ethical character and responsibility.

Code of Ethics (COE)

• Purpose:

General principles that public officials must follow, like being honest, fair, and responsible.

• Why it matters:

It sets the standard for good behavior in the public sector.

Code of Conduct (COC)

• What it is:

A more specific set of rules and guidelines about what public officers can and can’t do.

• Example:

No accepting gifts, no abuse of power, maintain confidentiality, etc.

Other Ethics Tools

• Ethics Training:

Educates public servants on how to act ethically in different situations.

• Ethics Committee:

A special group that reviews cases of misconduct and suggests improvements.

• Ethics Ombudsman:

An officer or unit that handles ethical complaints and ensures fairness.

Anti-Corruption Laws

• Why needed:

To legally punish corrupt actions like bribery, abuse of power, and favoritism.

• Example (Malaysia):

• Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) Act 2009.

• Penal Code for crimes like abuse of office.

• Common violations:

• Making biased decisions.

• Misusing public positions for personal gain.

Anti-Corruption Agencies (ACA)

• What they do:

Agencies like MACC are created to fight corruption through:

• Investigation of misconduct,

• Prevention programs,

• Education on ethics.

• Why they exist:

Public officials have abused power, so agencies ensure accountability.

Ethics Initiatives in Malaysia

• Malaysia’s efforts:

The country has introduced many reforms to reduce corruption and promote integrity.

• History:

• Started with the Corruption Prevention Ordinance 1950.

• Now replaced by MACC Act 2009.

• Theme:

Ethics is always a core idea in Malaysia’s public service reforms.

Malaysia’s Ethics Approaches

• Combined strategies:

Uses legal, economic, educational, cultural, and preventive approaches to build integrity.

• Suggested by:

International organizations like Transparency International and World Bank.

Institutional Approaches (Examples)

• Major initiatives:

• National Anti-Corruption Plan (NACP) 2019–2023

• Government Transformation Programme (GTP)

• Whistleblower Protection Act 2010

• Conduct & Discipline Regulations 1993

• Secret and Financial Act

• Employment Act, Procurement Policies

• Purpose:

These institutions ensure ethics are followed at every level of government.

Public Service Values

• Core values:

• Integrity, accountability, fairness, respect

• Care for the society’s long-term welfare.

• Focus areas:

• Protect the marginalised community.

• Promote honesty, discipline, and humility.

• Cultural sensitivity:

• Respect local traditions and religions (like Islamic values in Malaysia).